Privet Care Must-Knows
When arranging any plants in a hedge, evaluate your soil conditions, and make sure to space them uniformly along the hedgerow. If you have patches of poor soil, amend it and the rest of the area to encourage uniform growth. Privets prefer well-drained, evenly moist soil. Full sun is ideal for even expansion of your hedge and also yields the most vibrant colors, especially in gold and variegated varieties. But partial sun is suitable, too. These plants grow quickly and can tolerate heavy pruning. They are not bothered by pollution in urban settings and are also fairly salt-tolerant. Plant with caution as they can be invasive in many areas of North America. Consider this, too: In many areas privets are deciduous and will lose their foliage in the fall. If you are looking for an evergreen hedge, this is not the plant for you.
Pruning
It’s best to trim privets after they have flowered and another 3 to 4 times over the course of the summer. This will encourage the plants to become bushier, helping you avoid a sparse hedge. Avoid pruning from late summer into fall, as this will result in tender new growth that won’t have time to toughen up before winter.
More Varieties of Privet
Common Privet
Ligustrum vulgare is the hardiest of privets. Deciduous in cold-winter areas, it grows 10 feet tall and wide. (Zones 5-8)
Golden Vicary Privet
Ligustrum x vicaryi forms a mound of golden foliage that grows 12 feet tall and wide. (Zones 6-8)
Glossy Privet
Ligustrum lucidum, a large shrub or small tree, has shiny, dark green leaves. It is an invasive species in some states. (Zones 7-10)
Japanese Privet
Ligustrum japonicum features glossy, dark green leaves and black berries. It grows 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide. (Zones 7-10)
